Pin This A tender and aromatic almond cake, enriched with juicy plums and a hint of vanilla, perfect for cozy evenings and sweet home bakes.
I first served this cake on a chilly autumn night and the sweet plum aroma filled the entire house, making it an instant family favorite.
Ingredients
- Fruit: 5 ripe plums, pitted and sliced, 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for plums)
- Cake Batter: 1 1/4 cups (150 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (100 g) finely ground almonds (almond meal), 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened, 2 large eggs, at room temperature, 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, at room temperature, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp almond extract
- Topping: 2 tbsp sliced almonds, 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional for dusting)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a small bowl, toss the sliced plums with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Set aside to macerate while you prepare the batter.
- Step 3:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 4:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Step 6:
- Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then pour in the milk. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Step 7:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Arrange the sugared plum slices evenly over the batter. Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 38–42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is golden.
- Step 9:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 10:
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Pin This This cake always brings the family together, evoking warm memories of shared autumn celebrations and cozy dessert moments.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful treat.
Pairing Ideas
A light Riesling or Moscato pairs beautifully with this cake enhancing the sweet and fruity notes.
Allergen Information
Contains: Eggs, Milk (Dairy), Tree Nuts (Almonds), Wheat (Gluten). Always check ingredient labels for potential cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.
Pin This 
This plum-infused almond cake is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, guaranteed to impress your guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the cake is moist?
Use softened butter and avoid overmixing the batter to keep it tender and moist. Incorporating whole milk helps maintain moisture.
- → Can I substitute plums with other fruits?
Yes, apricots or peaches make excellent alternatives and pair well with almonds and vanilla.
- → What is the purpose of macerating the plums in sugar?
Macerating softens the fruit and enhances their natural sweetness, releasing juices that infuse the cake during baking.
- → How can I add more aroma to the batter?
A pinch of cinnamon or a touch of almond extract can elevate the aromatic profile of the cake.
- → What is the best way to test for doneness?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done.